REVIEW: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12a)

Undated Film Still Handout from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Pictured: Rey (Daisy Ridley). See PA Feature FILM Reviews. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/ucasfilm Ltd. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FILM Reviews. SUS-151217-120313003

Published:08:36Monday 21 December 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the latest entry in the series that needs no introduction, the intergalactic space opera series that has been celebrated by adults and children alike for nearly 40 years now.

This new entry, whilst still nostalgic, is an entirely modern science-fiction movie sure to raise another generation of Star Wars-obsessed children.

The film – directed by JJ Abrams – follows Rey, the most powerful woman seen in the whole series, and Finn, the series’ first black lead, who must attempt to hand over the whereabouts of the Luke Skywalker to the rebels before they are captured by The First Order, a totalitarian group who rose from the ashes of the Empire.

There’s a sense of humanity in all Star Wars films and this latest entry is as emotional as the others thanks to the return of old faces and exciting new ones. Kylo Ren, leader of The First Order, is as exceptionally terrifying as Darth Vader but as human as Luke Skywalker. Rey and Finn are the most notable new introductions though, both are scared, young adults coping with the oppressive First Order and with a nagging need for adventure. These adventurers are trapped in a wprld created expertly by Abrams.

The world created here is filled with destroyed weapons, wreckages of civilisation and the poverty of this new, free world is rampant. Abrams is fascinated by the fallout of the previous films and directs the film with a clear, breathtaking vision.

A wonderful update of a story known across the world, visually tactile and emotionally soaring.